Pro Bike: Matt Reed’s Fuji D-6, Matt Reed Signature

When Fuji debuted the ultra-aero D-6 last year, I thought it was a bit presumptuous of the company to make a signature model for its (for lack of a better word) signature athlete, former ITU mainstay Matt Reed. Yeah, he was USAT’s 2008 ITU male Athlete of the Year, a U.S. Olympian, had won St. Anthony’s and Alcatraz and everything in between. However, he hadn’t done much in the way of long-course racing to merit an out-in-the-wind, deep aero ride.

Well, the man called Boom-Boom is proving me wrong. He raced the Miami International Triathlon, Ironman 70.3 California and the Revolution3 Triathlon, and he won them all. The egg is squarely on my face. And he made all his moves on the bike aboard the D-6, a unique frame throughout, highlighted by a rear brake that is tucked into massive cowling between the seatstays.

Also unique is Reed’s downward-sloping aerobar position. “It’s just where I’m most comfortable,” Reed says. “I tried it flat, I tried it up, and it hurts my hamstrings when it’s flat and up, but this way I get more power. It may be because I’m a taller guy. If it works for me, I’m sticking with it.”

A. Frameset Fuji D-6, Matt Reed Signature Edition, size XL
B. Headset Full Speed Ahead Orbit IS, 1 1/8”
C. Cockpit Profile Design Volna aerobar; Profile Design Cobra Carbon stem, 120mm; Profile Design QSC carbon brake levers
D. Groupset Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 10-speed, 11-23 cassette
E. Crankset Shimano Dura-Ace 7900, 175mm 53-39
F. Wheels Zipp 1080 Zedtech front, Zipp Sub9 disc rear
G. Tires  Vittoria Triathlon EVO-CS, 700cx21mm tubulars
H. Pedals Shimano Dura-Ace 7900
I. Hydration Profile Design AquaLite, Profile Design Karbon Kage
J. Saddle Fi’zi:k Arione Tri 2
K. Travel Case Trico Sports IronCase
L. Fitter Self